So the past few months have been difficult to say the least. There have been some fun moments, bored moments, and really very stressful moments, but lately there have been WAY too many WTF moments. Like when I couldn't find my keys the other day and SPECIFICALLY remember putting them in my purse...only to find them an hour and a half later in a toy box. Only then did I remember letting dcb play with them on the way in from the car. Then I lost my camera, which I still haven't found. I have no clue where it could have gone to. I remember having at the park Friday...and it was around my wrist when we got our bag and headed to the car. I don't remember putting it in the bag, or in the car...and I don't remember taking it FROM the car when I got home. SO, I have no idea where to start looking for that. (NOTE: It is not on the desk...cleaned that and no camera!) Then I find I lost a diamond out of my 3 month old wedding band. However, since we were proactive and purchased them before DH's first deployment of the year, I should have had it in for inspection and cleaning in August...but since I've only been wearing it for 3 months, not six...I forgot. So now, 3 months after getting and FINALLY being able to wear it, it's lost a diamond and I'm afraid the warranty won't be valid and cover it. :( Then tonight, I was going to go to the jeweler's and find out what's what about the ring and can't find my wallet when I get to the convenience store for some gas. Again, I am specifically remembering putting it in my purse but again, it's not there. (found it sitting on the trash can lid in the garage!) I seriously think something is wrong with me...no hallucinations of ex-fiance's coming back from the dead (Grey's reference)...but seriously is this symptomatic of anything? And if not...should it be?
Now, I know I am very stressed out right now. School's not going too great, I'm having zero luck finding new clients, and my husband is happily staying gone for another effing month, only to return with his lists of most important things to do while he's on leave...and I'm sure none of those involve my set-aside list (in order to complete his requests and just making it through the day) or giving me time to myself, or to relax, or just company. I know I complain a lot and everyone has said over and over and over...you knew this going in, you signed on for this...yes, I may have known there would be deployments, and work functions and things to do, and two dogs are harder than one, and starting a business (and going to school) are all difficult things in and of themselves, but I really didn't know I would be alone so much of my first year of marriage, and having to hold on to everything so tightly I'm losing my mind...OH and don't forget WE DON'T EVEN HAVE CHILDREN YET! How is this going to go when that happens, I wonder...not so great, I'm certain!
Yep...I'm 27 and a newlywed and I've JUST LOST MY MIND!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Driveway...
Taking all the dirt out of the lawn.
We asked them to take the entire old concrete sidewalk out too.
That backhoe (or bullybullozer as the dcg I watch) calls it really works pretty quick!
The finishe product...it's way higher than I expected...all the way to the top of the bottom step. 
But it looks nice.
There are three spaces horizontally in front of the house...
and a back up zone on the right hand side of the drive way.
The built up the side of the yard by the driveway...and broke the drain pipe. It looks like they just knocked it out of alignment, so hopefully I can get it put back together the right way. They also have the extra dirt piled in there by the garage step...not sure how I feel about that...but we'll see.
But it looks nice.
There are three spaces horizontally in front of the house...
and a back up zone on the right hand side of the drive way.
The built up the side of the yard by the driveway...and broke the drain pipe. It looks like they just knocked it out of alignment, so hopefully I can get it put back together the right way. They also have the extra dirt piled in there by the garage step...not sure how I feel about that...but we'll see.So the driveway project is complete. I can't drive or park on it for at least 48 hours and not for 4 days for the newer parts. It's different, and I hope that the expense will be worth...well I KNOW it will be if I can ever get new clients!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Baby fever??...
So, DH's friend, M & his wife (you'll probably never see this, but I put that in JUST for you, M!) just had their baby on Saturday 9/18/2009; E is a perfect, healthy, happy baby. 7 lbs 14 oz. & 20 1/2 inches long. 
Mom and Dad are good; it was a little hairy for Mommy, an emergency C-section was needed...but everyone is in good health now. I visited last night for a little while and baby fell asleep in my arms. He sleeps with his mouth open and I found it aweinspiring and completely touching that he's only 3 days old and already mom and dad know his little quirks and can tell you what 'this face' vs 'that face' means.
It's funny, but I'm not really jonesing on baby fever right now. I was happy to hold him and would be happy to babysit...but it didn't make me wish I were having a baby. Weird huh? I get into my moods where having a baby is all I think about, but then, I want to be secure and stable financially and ready for the little one. I also don't want to rush into it because of how "old" I am or that everyone else is doing it!
Eh! Who knows...right now I am waiting until after October of next year to have a baby...so I can not be a blimp and really enjoy NP & H's wedding. (DH...that does NOT mean we are waiting until then to start trying to make one!)
BTW, I was right it was a bridesmaid's lunch. AND, she asked me to be a bridesmaid...so exciting and what an honor! The rest of the girls are great and we seemed to all get along...so this should really be fun. Although...I wonder if she will turn into a bridezilla!!! HAHA H, just joking, I know you'll be a great, happy, and fabulous bride! I am way excited!
Yesterday, the pups had a vet appointment (for their 3 year boosters) and we got to weigh Panzer FINALLY...I thought for sure he would hit at least 115 or 120 but he's only 102. Yes, I know he's still a big boy and we have to watch his weight to make sure he's not growing too much more. The dr. kept him on the same amount of heartworm meds, so we have to be very vigilant and I found out I AM feeding them enough! YAY! They did very well at the clinic, they sat when I asked...took the treats gently from the doc, Banya only peed once and didn't nip at anyone! I took them both...no sense making two trips; but kept Panzer in the car so Banya could be seen and then rotated. I was able to clip their leashes to the jeep (they had just enough room to stand, sit, or lay down, but not to try to jump out of the car and choke! I kept the windows down and gave them water while they each waited. The vet wanted me to vaccinate them for the doggy flu (not contagious to humans, I asked!) but couldn't guarantee that they'd be covered when the get boarded this weekend...so I didn't. They don't really get too much interaction with other dogs so I can't forsee it being a problem...but cross your fingers for us!
Mom and Dad are good; it was a little hairy for Mommy, an emergency C-section was needed...but everyone is in good health now. I visited last night for a little while and baby fell asleep in my arms. He sleeps with his mouth open and I found it aweinspiring and completely touching that he's only 3 days old and already mom and dad know his little quirks and can tell you what 'this face' vs 'that face' means.It's funny, but I'm not really jonesing on baby fever right now. I was happy to hold him and would be happy to babysit...but it didn't make me wish I were having a baby. Weird huh? I get into my moods where having a baby is all I think about, but then, I want to be secure and stable financially and ready for the little one. I also don't want to rush into it because of how "old" I am or that everyone else is doing it!
Eh! Who knows...right now I am waiting until after October of next year to have a baby...so I can not be a blimp and really enjoy NP & H's wedding. (DH...that does NOT mean we are waiting until then to start trying to make one!)
BTW, I was right it was a bridesmaid's lunch. AND, she asked me to be a bridesmaid...so exciting and what an honor! The rest of the girls are great and we seemed to all get along...so this should really be fun. Although...I wonder if she will turn into a bridezilla!!! HAHA H, just joking, I know you'll be a great, happy, and fabulous bride! I am way excited!
Yesterday, the pups had a vet appointment (for their 3 year boosters) and we got to weigh Panzer FINALLY...I thought for sure he would hit at least 115 or 120 but he's only 102. Yes, I know he's still a big boy and we have to watch his weight to make sure he's not growing too much more. The dr. kept him on the same amount of heartworm meds, so we have to be very vigilant and I found out I AM feeding them enough! YAY! They did very well at the clinic, they sat when I asked...took the treats gently from the doc, Banya only peed once and didn't nip at anyone! I took them both...no sense making two trips; but kept Panzer in the car so Banya could be seen and then rotated. I was able to clip their leashes to the jeep (they had just enough room to stand, sit, or lay down, but not to try to jump out of the car and choke! I kept the windows down and gave them water while they each waited. The vet wanted me to vaccinate them for the doggy flu (not contagious to humans, I asked!) but couldn't guarantee that they'd be covered when the get boarded this weekend...so I didn't. They don't really get too much interaction with other dogs so I can't forsee it being a problem...but cross your fingers for us!
PAST POST...The Wedding...
Date: June 20, 2009
The Bride & Groom:
Jennifer & Aaron
The Location: Kevin's Place Restaurant, Lykens, PA
The Bride & Groom:
Jennifer & Aaron
The Location: Kevin's Place Restaurant, Lykens, PAThe Ballroom Before:
And After: Tables, table cloths & chair coverings provided by Kevin Jury, Owner.
The Inspiration & colors: Victorian Lilac, Champagne & Ivory
Bridal Attire: Dress from David's Bridal
Shoes from Zappos.com...they matched the feel and look of the dress perfectly!
The Jewelry:
And After: Tables, table cloths & chair coverings provided by Kevin Jury, Owner.We separated the room into the Ceremony room and the Reception room using the white lattice screens & faux potted trees Kevin had available.
The Inspiration & colors: Victorian Lilac, Champagne & Ivory Bridal Attire: Dress from David's Bridal Shoes from Zappos.com...they matched the feel and look of the dress perfectly! Flower Girl's Dress: from MyGirlDress.com
The Jewelry:My wedding band
My "something blue" earrings...that I actually forgot on the wedding day...OOPS! 
DH's wedding band~ more carats than my ring!
Our bands on WDay!
The Flowers: Champagne & Ivory Roses, Peach Cala Lillies, Purple Ranunculus, and White Stephanotis. I didn't have particular flowers that I 'had to have' I simply wanted them to match the theme and feel of the day...I was a little disapointed that there were carnations in my table centerpieces, but it's still worked.
DH's wedding band~ more carats than my ring! Our bands on WDay!The Flowers: Champagne & Ivory Roses, Peach Cala Lillies, Purple Ranunculus, and White Stephanotis. I didn't have particular flowers that I 'had to have' I simply wanted them to match the theme and feel of the day...I was a little disapointed that there were carnations in my table centerpieces, but it's still worked. My Bridal Bouquet: Featuring the past, present and future wedding bands of DH's family: In order from left to right: DH's maternal great grandmother's, DH's maternal grandmother's, DH's mothers, and mine.
Table Flowers
Bridesmaids' Bouquets
My Bouquet again.
The Cakes:
The Table Cakes stood as the centerpieces of the table. My MIL made the cake stands (yes DIY and ALL 18!) and we used to anchor the table numbers (that I DIY'd). The cakes were .chocolate and white cakes covered in ivory buttercream, made by my sister's MIL. I didn't get to try them, but Iwas told they were delicious, and everyone was fighting over chocolate!
Table Flowers Bridesmaids' Bouquets My Bouquet again. The Cakes:The Table Cakes stood as the centerpieces of the table. My MIL made the cake stands (yes DIY and ALL 18!) and we used to anchor the table numbers (that I DIY'd). The cakes were .chocolate and white cakes covered in ivory buttercream, made by my sister's MIL. I didn't get to try them, but Iwas told they were delicious, and everyone was fighting over chocolate!
Our Wedding Cake:
Two tiered white cake with raspberry filling covered in Champagne buttercream and purple buttercream accents. The Cake topper was made by yours truly...well I purchased the actuall topper, but decorated it myself! Glitzy...no?
Two tiered white cake with raspberry filling covered in Champagne buttercream and purple buttercream accents. The Cake topper was made by yours truly...well I purchased the actuall topper, but decorated it myself! Glitzy...no?
Cutting the cake
Stationary~~ ALL DIY'd with spelling errors included at no additional charge, LOL!
Ceremony Programs, I still have 100 or so...so if anyone wants one...
Stationary~~ ALL DIY'd with spelling errors included at no additional charge, LOL!Ceremony Programs, I still have 100 or so...so if anyone wants one...
Invitations: I ordered my paper from Southwestinvitations.com and printed them on my home computer and printer; the tan cardstock was a little too dark and the purple front I had to buy other cardstock to make, but the informals were perfect and all in all I think it turned out well. 
On the front cover it says:
Two Lives, Two Hearts
Two Lives, Two Hearts
Joined together in frienship,
United forever in Love
6.20.2009
with our names underneath
Jennifer & Aaron
The inside says:
It is with joy that we,
Jennifer
Jennifer
&
Aaron
Formally invite you to share our celebration of love
as we exchange marriage vows
Saturday, June 20, 2009
At 5 o'clock in the evening
Kevin's Place Restaurant
Address
Formal Reception immediately to follow
The Save the Dates: 
Mailed in December 2008; it says:
Mailed in December 2008; it says: "So it is written in the stars
that we were meant to be...
So write it on your calendar
there's gonna [to lol] be a party!
Save the date,
June 20, 2009
to celebrate our marriage.
Formal invitation to follow.
Love,
Jennifer & Aaron
The table numbers~ made with cardboard, leftover cardstock from the invitations and the ceremony programs, my printer and some fancy scissors and a paper punch, wooden dowels, ribbon and glue.
The Card box I made from 4 8X10 photo frames I glued together painted purple, made a top for out for fabric, art board, batting and glue attached to the box with hinges and made mattings from leftover ceremony paper. I used a 'lazy susan' I already owned and placed it next to an antique candy dish borrowed from DH's mom on our gift table. I think it turned out well!
The handpainted Aisle Runner! I bought an inexpensive aisle runner from JoAnn Fabrics, acrylic paints and brushes from Michaels and created and printed the monogram myself at home using Microsoft Word! It took me a little while to get the sizing and outline right, but I had an extra 25 feet of runner...so I had plenty of extra space in case I messed up!
The Card box I made from 4 8X10 photo frames I glued together painted purple, made a top for out for fabric, art board, batting and glue attached to the box with hinges and made mattings from leftover ceremony paper. I used a 'lazy susan' I already owned and placed it next to an antique candy dish borrowed from DH's mom on our gift table. I think it turned out well! The handpainted Aisle Runner! I bought an inexpensive aisle runner from JoAnn Fabrics, acrylic paints and brushes from Michaels and created and printed the monogram myself at home using Microsoft Word! It took me a little while to get the sizing and outline right, but I had an extra 25 feet of runner...so I had plenty of extra space in case I messed up!The monogram was under our feet as we said our vows...and on the stage for the photo guest book picture stage.
The work in progress.
A far shot of the backdrop completed.
A closer up shot.
And in use.
The work in progress.The backdrop up close and personal...yes the 'J' broke.
I handpainted wooden letters I purchased from woodlandmanufacturing.com using the acrylics I used on the aisle runner...then attached ribbon and hung them from the ceiling in front of the backdrop fabric. I bought the fabric at fabrics.net (for the white drop fabric and the ivory organza; and the purple and champagne at JoAnn fabrics. I also got tulle in my exact colors at tullesource.com. FIL rigged a pvc piping and hook system suspended from the ceiling to hold the backdrop...yes we had permission and no we didn't cause any damage! Lol
A far shot of the backdrop completed. A closer up shot.And in use.We reused the ceremony stage for the guest book 'photo stage.' That was a lot of fun...I had photo books that people could take their picture then insert it into the book and write a message to us in. Very cool! DH's Aunt & Uncle manned the camera table using their digital camera and their photo printer to print the 4X6 photos. 
The tablescapes...although without the cakes it can be difficult to see how it all looks. The table numbers stood straight up out of the cakes and there was a little spray of faux hydrangea stems laid on top of the cake.
The fabric squares I purchased from JoAnn fabrics in the dark Victorian Lilac color, the Champagne and the Lavender. We alternated every table with Lilac and Champagne. There are 8-10 ivory votives on each table randomly placed around the cake stand in clear, frosted, and purple votive holders. Each setting received a glass coaster as a favor.
The table with the escort cards and candy favors. I spray painted little pails I purchased from the knot.com shop Purple and Champagne. I had to do some several times due to a boo boo from my brother's girlfriend's daughter, but I appreciated her effort. The escort cards were purchased from invitationpaper.com in dark purple and lavender cardstock with ivory name cards. I printed them using my home computer and affixed ribbons to the bases. The two colors indicated meal choice and the kiddos got ivory instead of purple ribbons.
The pails were filled with little baggies of purple and cream colored M&M's. I wanted to get our names, dates and/or "thank you" printed on them, but could NOT convince myself they were worth the cost (which was outrageous!!!)
The fabric squares I purchased from JoAnn fabrics in the dark Victorian Lilac color, the Champagne and the Lavender. We alternated every table with Lilac and Champagne. There are 8-10 ivory votives on each table randomly placed around the cake stand in clear, frosted, and purple votive holders. Each setting received a glass coaster as a favor.
The table with the escort cards and candy favors. I spray painted little pails I purchased from the knot.com shop Purple and Champagne. I had to do some several times due to a boo boo from my brother's girlfriend's daughter, but I appreciated her effort. The escort cards were purchased from invitationpaper.com in dark purple and lavender cardstock with ivory name cards. I printed them using my home computer and affixed ribbons to the bases. The two colors indicated meal choice and the kiddos got ivory instead of purple ribbons.
The pails were filled with little baggies of purple and cream colored M&M's. I wanted to get our names, dates and/or "thank you" printed on them, but could NOT convince myself they were worth the cost (which was outrageous!!!)Close UP!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
NYC & Disappointments...
Yesterday I went to New York on a bus trip with my step-mother, J and step-sister, O. It was a long and tiring day, but I feel so exhilarated that I have finally been there and "been there, done that". Which does NOT mean I won't be going back. I want to move there tomorrow, lol. The vibrancy of the city and the differences between neighborhoods, and the feel and look (not the smell, though) were just enthralling and fascinating. I guess being from the "country" I never noticed how clean it smells here...but there is a smell of garbage in bigger cities that just permeates everything. It however, does not detract from the general splendor that is New York. We did the Empire State Building, 
and walked a ton; from Canal Street & Mulberry St. ALL the way to ESB @ 5th Ave. & 34th St. 
The consenses was not to pay for a taxi, although I wouldn't have minded. We stepped foot inside Central Park, 
shopped at FAO Schwartz and some street vendors at the San Gerrano Feast in Little Italy. We had amazing burgers (and a good beer) at HB Burger on W. 43rd St. and all in all had a good time. We were also told a joke by some NY firefighters having a smoke break outside their firehouse...NY's diplomatic policy...make the tourists laugh! Here it is...Did you hear the news about a cement truck that collided with a Fed. Penitentary Bus? Apparantly now they're on the look out for 'hardened criminals!' CUTE, right?! 
In disappointing news, the little girl I interviewed with a few weeks ago, hasn't returned my follow-up emails and her cousin (who just turned 3 and used to be in my dc class) has decided to stay where she's at. She just moved to the preschool room and lives right across the street from the daycare...so I can totally understand her parents' point, although I feel very sad and disappointed I won't get to see K everyday.
I have made fliers and business cards to pass out and try to drum up business. DH's step-mom has agreed to post a flier at church, so I hope someone will be interested from that. DH's cousin, M, seemed interested in my caring for her second son, D, but hasn't yet returned my emails...so hopefully she isn't turned off from my paperwork.
Friday was also the last day for the boys I recently terminated. They are starting next Tuesday at a center near mom's work. That I think will be good...older dcb will be able to play with and interact with kids his own age, and he'll enjoy greater stimulation and be less likely to be bored and realize he misses his mommy. I hope younger dcb does as well there as he has here...he started getting rough with the other boy I have here. He was holding him down Friday and squeezing on his head and ended up poking him in the eye. I had a hard time separating them apart, he was holding on so hard. It definitely wasn't "hugging" or playing.
I am very down about the business right now...I am trying to stay positive, but it's hard to know what the next move is. DH says I should just enjoy the ones I have, but I am still afraid I will lose the two full timers I have now...if I do...I am really up the creek. Wish me luck!
Anyway...I am off today to my friend's H's house...I have a sneaking suspicion this is a "bridesmaid's lunch." You know where she asks her friends to be in her wedding as a bridesmaid...it's me, her cousin and friend D, her sister-in-law-to-be, J, and her two best friends, T & L. I already know they are all going to be asked....so I expect at least a request to do a reading, lol. I'd be so honored to be included and can't wait to eat tacos and drink a margarita or two!
I also have to go buy more fish for the fish tank...since I tend to kill them :(, and more dog food. The dogs have a vet appointment tomorrow, so I will FINALLY know how much Panzer weighs...I know it's over 115 at this point!
and walked a ton; from Canal Street & Mulberry St. ALL the way to ESB @ 5th Ave. & 34th St. The consenses was not to pay for a taxi, although I wouldn't have minded. We stepped foot inside Central Park, shopped at FAO Schwartz and some street vendors at the San Gerrano Feast in Little Italy. We had amazing burgers (and a good beer) at HB Burger on W. 43rd St. and all in all had a good time. We were also told a joke by some NY firefighters having a smoke break outside their firehouse...NY's diplomatic policy...make the tourists laugh! Here it is...Did you hear the news about a cement truck that collided with a Fed. Penitentary Bus? Apparantly now they're on the look out for 'hardened criminals!' CUTE, right?! In disappointing news, the little girl I interviewed with a few weeks ago, hasn't returned my follow-up emails and her cousin (who just turned 3 and used to be in my dc class) has decided to stay where she's at. She just moved to the preschool room and lives right across the street from the daycare...so I can totally understand her parents' point, although I feel very sad and disappointed I won't get to see K everyday.
I have made fliers and business cards to pass out and try to drum up business. DH's step-mom has agreed to post a flier at church, so I hope someone will be interested from that. DH's cousin, M, seemed interested in my caring for her second son, D, but hasn't yet returned my emails...so hopefully she isn't turned off from my paperwork.
Friday was also the last day for the boys I recently terminated. They are starting next Tuesday at a center near mom's work. That I think will be good...older dcb will be able to play with and interact with kids his own age, and he'll enjoy greater stimulation and be less likely to be bored and realize he misses his mommy. I hope younger dcb does as well there as he has here...he started getting rough with the other boy I have here. He was holding him down Friday and squeezing on his head and ended up poking him in the eye. I had a hard time separating them apart, he was holding on so hard. It definitely wasn't "hugging" or playing.
I am very down about the business right now...I am trying to stay positive, but it's hard to know what the next move is. DH says I should just enjoy the ones I have, but I am still afraid I will lose the two full timers I have now...if I do...I am really up the creek. Wish me luck!
Anyway...I am off today to my friend's H's house...I have a sneaking suspicion this is a "bridesmaid's lunch." You know where she asks her friends to be in her wedding as a bridesmaid...it's me, her cousin and friend D, her sister-in-law-to-be, J, and her two best friends, T & L. I already know they are all going to be asked....so I expect at least a request to do a reading, lol. I'd be so honored to be included and can't wait to eat tacos and drink a margarita or two!
I also have to go buy more fish for the fish tank...since I tend to kill them :(, and more dog food. The dogs have a vet appointment tomorrow, so I will FINALLY know how much Panzer weighs...I know it's over 115 at this point!
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